Almost without fail, my music tends to be autobiographical. It’s a way for me to make sense of what’s happening in my life, whether that be the death of a loved one, a life-saving surgery, or a profound spiritual experience. Even though this had been a typical way for me to create music, that all changed in late 2021 when the title and concept of “Evensong” came to me, seemingly in a vision.
All at once, in the space of a few minutes, I envisioned an album called “Evensong”, based on the timeless chants of Hildegard of Bingen, the German abbess, composer, and mystic who lived during the Middle Ages.
But why?
While I had loved Hildegard’s music for many years, it had never occurred to me before that day to incorporate it into an original score. Although the reason behind it wasn’t clear at the time, I still felt compelled to bring this album into reality. The reason would only become clear much later, once the album was made.
Artists are inescapably influenced by our sociopolitical surroundings. Everything we create is a reflection, a mirror to our times. Music and the arts are an essential part of the sociopolitical fabric. Even though we might not be directly commenting on or critiquing the world around us, it still profoundly influences us. Oppressive regimes or sociopolitical turmoil can lead to art that embodies resistance and transformation.
In her time, Hildegard of Bingen came to embody resistance and transformation through her music, her writings, and her leadership. She was a pioneering woman who achieved great influence and respect in a male-dominated society. Despite the restrictions on women preaching, Hildegard undertook several preaching tours across Germany, expanding her influence beyond the confines of her convent. The recognition of her visions and writings by the church, including the Pope, allowed her to achieve a level of influence that was rare for women of her time.
In our time, while women have more rights than they did in the Middle Ages, they are still under attack, even here in the U.S., and it was against this backdrop that “Evensong” was created. So, while the musical arc of the album could be seen simply as "from birth to death, and beyond", there is a deeper layer: the longing for autonomy and freedom, the courage to face obstacles, and the desire for safety and community.
Once the album was recorded in the studio, the true reason behind it became crystal clear: embodied in the beautiful performances of the 7 women who performed “Evensong” was the joy, the confusion, the struggle, the calm resignation, and the hopeful prayer of women throughout history. This wasn’t something that I had put there. It was there on its own accord. This powerful energy was embedded in the music. How could it not be?
“Evensong” could only have been created in this moment, a defining moment in history that we are all experiencing. And it could only have been created with the influence of Hildegard of Bingen and the power of her vision.
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